Paul Tan's Automotive News » Dodge

Dodge Dart, American ‘Alfa Giulietta Sedan’ looking good

Danny Tan — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:15:55 +0000

Previously teased, now fully released – this is the all new 2013 Dodge Dart, the American brand’s C-segment sedan to take on the likes of the Corolla, Civic, Cruze and Elantra. To be officially unveiled at the upcoming Detroit show, the Dodge Dart shares underpinnings with the sexy Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Fiat owns both brands.

The 2013 Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based on Fiat architecture. Not just plug and play, but the Giulietta’s platform has been lengthened and widened to deliver segment-leading cabin space, according to Dodge.

The “Compact U.S. Wide” architecture underpinning the Dart comprises of 68% high-strength steel, a figure said to be segment leading. The outer skin is quite outstanding, too, featuring Dodge’s trademark split-crosshair grille and full-width LED “racetrack” tail lamps.

Inside the cabin, one can see a similar “racetrack” theme on the dash, which has a centre stack angled towards the driver, old BMW style. All displays are colourful and hi-res, and there’s a cool storage area under the front passenger seat base.

There will be three engine options at launch, a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged unit or two “Tigershark” mills – a 2.0L and a 2.4L MultiAir.

Three transmission choices will be available, a manual, a Fiat-sourced six-speed dual-clutch transmission and at a later date, a nine-speed automatic gearbox by ZF. The latter is supposed to boost fuel economy by 10 to 16% over the DCT, which is very impressive. By the way, there’s no typo, it’s NINE speed!

The Dodge Dart will be built at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. This local boy with Italian blood poses some hard questions at the Asians dominating the show – it has the tech and looks to challenge, that’s for sure.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (61) Think (2) Angry (3) Happy (3) Sad (3) Meh (6)

Dodge Dart ‘Giulietta sedan’ – cabin teasers released

Danny Tan — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:15:54 +0000

Last week, we had a first look of the Dodge Dart, via zoomed in front and rear teasers. Now, Dodge has released first pics of the Dart’s interior, which the company says “sets a new standard for compact cars” and has the “interior spaciousness of a mid-sized sedan” with best-in-class hip and shoulder room.

By the way, the Dart is a compact sedan (for the US, it’s C segment) adapted from the sexy Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It’s scheduled for a world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

From the info released, the Dart’s cabin sounds cool. You’ll find “materials and precision craftsmanship typically found in more expensive vehicle segments” and “thousands of ways to personalize the Dart”. They weren’t joking – there are 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, six wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions.

The image we see here is a “floating island bezel” that houses the 7-inch TFT customisable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround. There’s also the UConnect Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia center – the largest touchscreen in its class.

The ambient lighting we see here isn’t just for photography, as the production car has glow on the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders. Available “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel.

Dodge is really taking the fight to the imports, and safety isn’t left out. Constructed with 68% high-strength steel, there are 10 standard airbags in the Dart, which is unsurpassed in the segment. It’s also the only car in its class to offer Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.

Click here to view the previous teasers, and read more about the Dart.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (24) Think (3) Angry (0) Happy (1) Sad (3) Meh (9)

Dodge Dart – a reinterpretation of the Giuletta as sedan

Anthony Lim — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:21:53 +0000

Click to enlarge.

It’s called the Dodge Dart, and this one is set to be Chrysler’s first vehicle that’s based on Fiat architecture. The current Dart will be the second vehicle to bear the name, the first one being from nearly five decades ago, when it arrived on the scene in 1963.

Aside from the name, there’s nothing historical about the new one, which is a four-door sedan set to make its world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Click to enlarge.

It’s adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but given the rework – with a lengthened and widened platform heading the list – to offer more space for American buyers. A choice of three AR engines will be available, these being a new Tigershark 16 valve 2.0 litre, a 1.4 litre MultiAir Intercooled Turbo and a Tigershark 2.4 litre MultiAir four cylinder mill, along with three transmission choices.

The company isn’t showing off the whole car yet, but teases it through a couple of partials, saying that the vehicle – which will be made in the US at Chrysler’s Belvidere plat in Illinois – will wear 18-inch wheels, projector headlamps, accentuated fenders and signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps, among other design cues.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (48) Think (5) Angry (2) Happy (1) Sad (1) Meh (19)

Limited-run Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket

Danny Tan — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:52:52 +0000

It’s Tokyo time, which is why we’re seeing so many cute green concepts on this website, so for variety, have a look at the special-edition 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket. It’s a limited run variant of Dodge’s retro styled muscle car wheeled out by Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team.

Like the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee we showed you earlier, this Challenger’s attention grabbing headline colour is Stinger Yellow. Besides that, the Yellow Jacket features a black grille surround, black body-side stripes and a Yellow Jacket logo on the rear fender. New 20-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets are also thrown in. The rims are identical to those on the Super Bee.

Inside, the leather seats sport a Stinger Yellow accent band with embroidered Yellow Jacket logo and silver accent stitching. The driver’s chair also features full adjustable lumbar with seatback tilt and memory, which eases rear seat access.

The original Dodge “Yellow Jacket” show car, based on the 1970 Challenger, was shown at various auto shows from 1969. Painted pearlescent Honey Gold, that roadster was powered by a 426-cubic inch HEMI V8 and carried various Dodge “Scat Pack” performance features, such as a unique front spoiler, wider tyres, heavy-duty suspension and brakes, along with the Rallye instrument cluster and shaker hood.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (18) Think (3) Angry (3) Happy (5) Sad (0) Meh (4)

Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee asks, Bumble Bee who?

Danny Tan — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:19:40 +0000

The only Bee people this part of the world know is Bumble the Chevy Camaro, thanks to the blockbuster Transformers movies. But Dodge had its own bee all along, and has revived the old name (1968, based on the Coronet) on its Charger model. This is the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, available in either Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black paint with special Super Bee graphics.

The latter includes a unique SRT badge with a 3-D helmeted bee mascot on the new split crosshair grille finished in Gloss Black. Front fenders feature the evocative “392 HEMI” badges first seen on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Both rear fenders have the legendary round Super Bee graphics, which now include the wording “Powered by SRT”. New 20-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets add to the unique look.

Inside, there’s an exclusive three-spoke contoured performance steering wheel, exclusive Z-stripe cloth performance seats with amped yellow and silver striping in both the front and rear as well as silver accent stitching and embroidered Super Bee logos on the front headrests. The instrument panel also features the Charger Super Bee logo on a unique dash plaque. The Super Bee logo also appears digitally on start up.

The 2012 Charger Super Bee is powered by the new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 that delivers 45 hp and 68 Nm more torque than the 6.1L V8 it replaces, at 470 hp and 637 Nm of torque, so there’s no lack of muscle.

0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration is in the high 4-second range, quarter mile (0-400m) in the high 12-second range, 0-100-0 mph (0-160-0 km/h) in less than 16 seconds and top speed is 280 km/h. Stopping is done by vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers.

New for 2012 are paddle shifters on the SRT heated steering wheel. Does the rear remind anyone else of the Nissan 180SX?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (40) Think (0) Angry (3) Happy (2) Sad (2) Meh (11)

Chrysler planning to set up ASEAN manufacturing base

Anthony Lim — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:43:07 +0000

Amidst our reports filtering in from the 19th International Indonesia Motor Show (IIMS) at the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, Jakarta, some news about Chrysler’s rapidly growing presence in the country and how, spurred by this, it has plans to set up a manufacturing plant in the ASEAN region.

Reports have it that Chrysler Indonesia is set to launch new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models at the show, including a Jeep 70th Anniversary edition. PT Garansindo Inter Global, Chrysler’s authorised distributor in the country, will also launch Mopar, which handles accessories and parts designed specifically for the three marques.

Since its reentry into the country a year ago, sales of Chrysler vehicles have been steadily climbing, and the company is expecting to meet its sales target of 700 cars this year. At point of entry last July, six variants from the three brands were slated to be sold in Indonesia, these being the Chrysler 300C and Cabriolet Sebring, the Dodge Journey as well as the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, Wrangler Rubicon and Patriot, all CBU units.

Jeep seems to be doing particularly well – a year on, it has contributed 70% of the company’s total sales, with the Wrangler leading the way for Jeep, with 70% of sales.

The reports add that Garansindo, which currently has five dealers in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali, is aiming for some serious expansion, targeting to open no less than 23 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers across the country, including Sumatra, Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia by 2013, and will spend up to US$100 million for expansion.

And with Chrysler already having a sales network in the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam, the company looks like it’s definitely aiming for bigger, with an eye to assembly and manufacturing in the region.

Chrysler’s Asia Pacific Operations CEO John Kett was quoted as saying that while the company’s focus was to reestablish its presence in the Indonesian market, there were plans for the company to set up a manufacturing plant in Southeast Asia, though it had yet to decide which country it would be built in.

“To develop an industrial base in the region is our priority, but whether it’s in Indonesia (or another country) is a separate discussion,” Kett told reporters. Given the increasing levels of activity happening there, it’s probably safe to assume Indonesia will be it, with the Wrangler being the first to go CKD, joined perhaps by the Patriot.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck – it’s 7.3 metres long!

Danny Tan — Tue, 03 May 2011 04:54:41 +0000

They don’t get much bigger, have more range or more pulling power than the Ram Long-Hauler Concept truck, the press release starts. No one would doubt them, just look at this thing!

On display at selected events across America, the Ram Long-Hauler is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Crew Cab. They then converted to a Mega Cab passenger compartment, added an 8-foot box and upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-ship fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 643.52 litres!

This monster is 24 feet or 7.3 metres long, with the wheelbase along accounting for 5 metres. With a 37,500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the Long-Hauler can probably tow your house away.

Under the hood is an inline six-cylinder 6.7L “High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel” rated at 1,085 Nm. It’s mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic with four-wheel-drive transfer case coupled to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels.

Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Dodge Charger SRT8: Evo nose, 6.4 litres of HEMI muscle

Danny Tan — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 07:32:22 +0000

If the Evo reincarnated as a muscle car, this would be it, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. To be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, this 2012 model year hot Charger gets a blackened snout for a nose job. It really resembles the current Lancer Evo if you ask us, except that Dodge bends in the lower edges of the Mitsubishi’s signature “jet fighter” grille. The rear is an LED fest – the Charger’s new “racetrack” taillamp design consists of 164 diodes!

Under that bulging hood is the new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 that boasts more horsepower and torque plus improved fuel economy over the 6.1L HEMI it replaces. Estimated power ratings are 465 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque, including an estimated additional 109 Nm of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific figures will be released later.

Economy is aided by Fuel Saver technology, which is a four-cylinder mode with adaptive valve exhaust system. This allows the system to engage over a wider rpm range. An active intake manifold and high lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low end torque while optimising high end power. Paddle shifters for the carryover five-speed auto are standard.

The Charger SRT8 features adaptive damping suspension with two driver selectable “Auto” and “Sport” settings. The SRT-tuned fully hydraulic steering system has been improved with a heavy-duty pump and revised gearing for more direct feel and on-center response.

“World-class stopping power” is courtesy of four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear. Those five-spoke wheels are 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum items.

Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Dodge Journey to be Fiat Ulysse replacement in Europe?

Anthony Lim — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:45:11 +0000

It’s not just a case of austerity in terms of development costs, the idea of cross-sharing is – makes sense in this day and age, if you’ve got the right product for the job, that is. In the case of the Fiat Ulysse MPV, of which production has just been discontinued this month, the speculation is that its replacement will not be another Fiat-derived vehicle, but the Dodge Journey, which will be rebadged as a Fiat offering in Europe.

According to reports, the Fiat version of the large minivan will be named the Freemont, and the vehicle will make its debut in Geneva next March and begin selling in European markets in June.

Engine choices will include a Fiat-based 170 hp 2.0 litre turbodiesel, which will be the first time ever a Chrysler platform will utilise a Fiat pot. In the US, the Dodge Journey was recently given a facelift, and the update made its debut at the Los Angeles show last month.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

More muscle for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Danny Tan — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:39:20 +0000

Click to enlarge

The Dodge Challenger is the best modern interpretation of American muscle to these eyes, and the most potent version, the SRT8 392, now gets a boost in horsepower and torque with the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 engine. With 470 hp and 637 Nm, this 6.4-litre has 122 Nm more torque at 2,900 rpm compared with the previous 6.1L V8 while delivering up to 20% better economy.

The Challenger isn’t only good for drag racing, according to Dodge, which claims “world-class ride and handling” for the 392. New, highly damped shocks offer a firm ride and SRT engineers recalibrated the suspension geometry to improve the Challenger’s balance and cornering ability.

Quicker steering ratios and new negative camber settings all around “dramatically improve Challengers appetite for cornering”. The fully hydraulic steering system also has been improved with a heavy-duty pump and revised gearing for more direct feel and on-centre response. It’s still playfully “tossable” though.

To kick off 2011-model year production, Dodge will build 1,492 Inaugural Edition models. They get two colour/stripe combinations and 20-inch SRT wheels with a polished face and black pockets. “392 HEMI” badges and Mopar quad exhaust are the other visual cues. Inside, the Inaugural Edition features standard Smooth Pearl White leather trimmed seats and dual blue stripes accented by blue stitching. And a plaque.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

2009 LA Show: Dodge Viper bids farewell with more performance, options and limited editions

Danny Tan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:31:21 +0000

Los Angeles is shaping up to be a big farewell party for the icons. Besides Volkswagen releasing the Final Edition of its New Beetle, Dodge has annouced that 2010 will be the last model year for the Viper, America’s performance car legend. And for a fitting sendoff, performance is enhanced, new colours added and limited-edition models are planned.

Powered by a 8.4-litre V10 with 600bhp and 760Nm, the Viper SRT10 sprints to 100km/h from rest in less than 4 seconds, with a top speed of 325km/h. A new shorter fifth gear ratio benefits high-speed acceleration and straightline speed. The hardcore ACR (American Club Racer) model gets a new short throw shifter and aero tweaks for, yes, higher top speed as well!

Two new exterior colours – Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat – joins the existing 10. With this, Dodge says that over 7,600 possible appearance combinations are possible for the final 500 or so Vipers that will roll out next year.

Several limited-edition models are planned for 2010, including the ACR 1:33 Edition, which pays tribute to the new production car lap record set on 24 November at Laguna Seca. It gets a two-tone black/red colour scheme, piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights and red stitching for the seats. Only 33 will be produced. Meanwhile, the Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR features a Black Clear Coat exterior with Graphite Driver’s Stripe outlined in red. Only 10 cars will be available with this unique striping on both exterior and steering wheel. Pricing and more special models will be announced later.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Marchionne spins off Dodge Ram business as RAM

Paul Tan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:40:21 +0000

Chrysler has decided to grab the axe and split Dodge right in half, severing the ties between Dodge’s Ram truck business and the rest of the company that makes passenger vehicles. Apparently this will allow Dodge to “protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge brand”, according to Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne, who is also the CEO of Fiat.

The Dodge Ram truck business will be renamed simply RAM, and will be headed by Fred Diaz. “Dodge Car”‘s new head will be Ralph Gilles. Chrysler’s new CEO and marketing head will be Olivier Francois, another man from Fiat where he plays a double role as Fiat marketing chief and the head of the Lancia brand.

Chrysler now has two predominantly truck-based brands – RAM and Jeep. The Dodge Ram is currently in its fourth generation called the Dodge Ram 1500, and is available in various 2-door and 4-door cab bodies.

It’s powered by a choice of a 5.7 litre Hemi V8 producing 390 horsepower and 552Nm of torque, a 4.7 litre Magnum V8 making 310 horses and 447Nm of torque, or a 3.7 litre Magnum V6 making 215 horses and 319Nm of torque.

Dodge also has the smaller Dodge Dakota and the Dodge Durango based on the Dakota. I guess it would make sense for these to follow the Ram to the new RAM brand.

Related Posts:
Dodge Ad Video – Ram Rash!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Dodge Challenger tuned by Eibach for Essen 2008

Paul Tan — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:55:17 +0000

The Dodge Challenger was the vehicle picked by suspension specialist Eibach to display at the tuner-centric 2008 Essen Motor Show. The engine has been left as it is, a 6.1 litre HEMI V8 producing 425 horsepower and 569Nm of torque, but the suspension has been tweaked, expected as the tuner is Eibach after all.

The Eibach Challenger show car gets the Multi-Pro-R2 coil-over suspension system which has integrated independently adjustable rebound and compression damping with remote reservoir. Wheels are large 3-piece 22-inch OZ Botticelli III alloys wrapped with Toyo Proxes T1R rubber in 265/30R22 size.

Just to spice things up, Eibach also upgraded the car’s audio system with Alpine goodies featuring the IVA-W505R 2-DIN head unit which combined a DVD head-unit with an LCD screen. This puts out audio through a PDX-5 amp which powers 6 inch R-series speakers and a 10 inch subwoofer.

The Challenger is built on the Chrysler LC platform, which is a shortened version of the Chrysler LX platform. The LX platform underpins vehicles like the Chrysler 300 and was developed when Chrysler was part of DaimlerChrysler, hence it uses Mercedes-Benz parts such as the W220 S-Class control arm front suspension at the front and the W210 E-Class multi-link rear suspension. LX platform cars also usually use the Mercedes-Benz W5A580 5G-Tronic transmission and rear differential.

Look after the jump for a hi-res gallery of the Eibach Essen 2008 car.

PHOTO GALLERY: Dodge Challenger tuned by Eibach
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Dodge Journey 7-seater MPV

Paul Tan — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:08:55 +0000

Before Daimler got rid of Chrysler, there was a team in DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (now known as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia) studying the possibility of introducing the Chrysler brand here in Malaysia, and other marques within the Chrysler group. If that happened, one of the vehicles that could have found its way onto our roads would be this.

Introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Dodge Journey only went on sale to the public in March this year in the US, and soon in Europe as well. The Journey is based on an extended D-segment Dodge Avenger platform and its wheelbase measures a long 2891mm, providing excellent interior room for its three rows of 7 seats.

Under the hood is a choice of engines including the 173 horsepower 2.4 litre GEMA engine that is also found in cars like the Hyundai Sonata and Mitsubishi Outlander, a 235 horsepower 3.5 litre V6 and a 190 horsepower 2.7 litre V6.

It’s trademark Dodge muscular and boxy styling gives people an alternative to all the more sedate-looking soccer mom MPVs out there. Threatening to ruin ride comfort are large 19 inch wheels with low profile tyres. The car is front wheel driven by default but all-wheel drive is available.

Look for more hi-res photos after the jump.

PHOTO GALLERY: Dodge Journey
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

[cpg_album:55]

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Chrysler continues work on production Dodge Hornet

Paul Tan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:48:33 +0000

Fans of Chrysler’s Dodge Hornet 2006 Geneva concept should be excited now as there is new indication of the company’s continued interest and intention to produce a production version of the compact car.

Chrysler vice president for international purchasing Thomas Hausch says that Chrysler is working intensely on the Dodge Hornet study, and will announce something on the car in the future. This will probably happen sometime in 2010.

The question is, will it be a Dodge or a Chrysler? Hausch mentioned that the possibility of a small Chrysler positioned below the Chrysler Sebring should not be ruled out.

Related Posts:
2006 Dodge Hornet Concept (with video)

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (1) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda’s email to employees

Paul Tan — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:50:21 +0000

More updates on the potential break-up of American-German automotive giant DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler recently announced it might sell off the Chrysler group, viewed by some as going back on it’s word for commitment in making the partnership work. DaimlerChrysler issued a statement to the media today saying it’s future strategy for Chrysler’s could only be decided in weeks or months.

Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda has decided to shed some light on the matter, whatever light he is able to shed without implicating himself legally of course. The full unedited email is available after the jump.

Tom LaSorda’s Email

Dear Colleagues,

I know you have many questions as a result of the DaimlerChrysler Annual Press Conference last week and the resulting rumors about the future of the Chrysler Group. Im sending this letter because I want to provide you the information that I can, and share with you my personal thoughts.

Journalists and analysts have been busy conjecturing over what will happen. To a certain extent, that is the nature of their business and we need to keep it in perspective. I know that youve been reading and discussing these stories, but I want you to keep in mind that Dieter Zetsche and the Board of Management strongly endorsed the Chrysler Groups new Recovery and Transformation Plan. Dieter added that the company will look into â€œfurther strategic options with partners beyond that business cooperationâ€ that I outlined in the Recovery and Transformation Plan, which set off the frenzy of rumors.

We simply cannot respond to these reports. The Board of Management has a duty to consider all options; but while this process is ongoing, the Board â€“ including myself â€“ cant comment on developments because of strict legal requirements.
It may take weeks or months before official comments can be made on some issues. However, I can tell you that further information on the voluntary separation and early retirement programs for employees will be communicated in the next few days.

Meanwhile, our job is very clear. Our mission is to produce great cars and trucks, to take care of our customers and to restore profitability. Whatever fork in the road we may take, we first have to make sure were on the road â€“ and the Recovery and Transformation Plan is that road. The plan is designed to make us profitable by 2008 and put us on solid footing to stay there. This is a sound plan that includes a substantial investment in our long-term competitiveness, and we must focus our attention on executing it.

The Chrysler Group has been around for more than 80 years and has been through difficult times before. We went through a restructuring in 2001, but our situation today is much different. For one thing, were leaner. Another important difference is that we have a full product pipeline with at least 20 new and 13 refreshed vehicles on their way from 2007 to 2009.

We also have achieved areas of operational excellence that are the benchmark of the world. Capacity for the fuel-efficient, four-cylinder World Engine in Dundee, Michigan, will increase to 840,000 units a year over the next few years, compared to the 260,000 we built last year. Our improvements in manufacturing productivity lead the industry over the past four years. Weve also made great strides in product quality â€“ for example, the Chrysler Town & Country minivan led its segment in the 2006 Initial Quality Survey from J.D. Power, beating Toyota and Honda.

Importantly, we are continuing to invest in our future. In addition to the barrage of new products, we will invest $3 billion in new powertrains, including a new family of world-class V-6 engines and a new dual-clutch transmission that we are developing with Getrag.

To sum up, we are a much leaner and stronger organization than before, and we are continuing to make the necessary investments to be competitive into the future. We are a good company with great talent and a clearly defined plan of action. The best way to secure a successful future for the Chrysler Group is to focus on what we can control â€“ that is the Recovery and Transformation Plan. Many of you may be familiar with the adage about accepting what you cannot change and taking charge of what you can control. We can learn a lot from this message.

We have an obligation to each other, to our shareholders, to our dealers and to our customers to make this plan successful. Your support and best effort have never been more important, and I thank you for your continued dedication to the job at hand. In the meantime, you have my promise that we will continue to communicate as openly and directly with you as possible.

Sincerely,
Tom

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Potential Chrysler Suitors

Paul Tan — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:34:16 +0000

Ever since DaimlerChrysler announced that the sale of Chrysler and it’s brands (Dodge, Jeep) to another party is now an option, there has been plenty of rumours, supposed insider news as well as speculation on who the new buyer would be.

Seen as a forefront to the Chrysler purchase is General Motors, who analysts think would purchase Chrysler as a defensive move against import marques like Toyota. Analysts think purchasing Chrysler would give GM a US$9 billion value in terms of product line-up, operating efficiencies including reduced R&D and advertising costs. Stock market analysts are mixed over the issue, with John Murphy of Merrill Lynch rating GM shares as a buy, while Jon Rogers, a New York-based analyst at Citigroup Investment Research rated them as a sell. DaimlerChrysler shares remain unrated.

Some think Hyundai may be a good match for Chrysler, and Hyundai has already worked with Chrysler before on certain projects including the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance project along with an accompanying platform, as well as rebadging Hyundais as Dodge cars in Mexico. Hyundai needs more plants in the US, something Chrysler has. Hyundai currently only has one plant in the US. Hyundai needs a V8, Chrysler has the Hemi. Chrysler used to own a 10.5% stake in Hyundai. Hyundai is good at small cars, Chrysler is not – Chrysler’s good at big cars, Hyundai isn’t.

Other speculated potential suitors are the Nissan and Renault alliance, as well as SAIC and Chery of China. Chrysler and Chery already have an agreement for Chery to assist Chrysler in building small compact cars, something that Chery does best. Foreign automakers like Toyota, Hyundai and the Chinese makes are cited as one of the reasons GM would buy Chrysler, as having a foreign Korean or Chinese marque gain access to Chrysler’s extensive dealer network would be a problem – the American companies already have problems fending off the Japanese.

Anyway, whether GM takes up Chrysler or not, they are already in some form of joint venture talks now, as General Motors might give Chrysler access to it’s GMT900 platform large-SUV, something that Chrysler does not have an equivalent in it’s line-up.

Related Posts:
DaimlerChrysler might drop Chrysler Group

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Dodge Demon to be unveiled at Geneva

Paul Tan — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:03:40 +0000

Click to enlarge

Dodge will be showcasing it’s new 2-seater rear wheel drive roadster concept at the 2007 Geneva International Motor Show next month. The concept aims to create an affordable sports car focusing on driving fun, open air driving, as well as powerful performance. Sounds alot like the Mazda MX-5 doesn’t it?

The Dodge Demon has Dodge’s trademark muscular look and cross grille, 19 inch wheels, and a 2.4 litre engine (likely the same 2.4 litre unit in the Dodge Caliber 2.4), making 172hp at 6,000rpm and 224Nm of torque at 4,400rpm.

Video after the jump.

Video: Dodge Demon to be unveiled at Geneva

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

DaimlerChrysler might drop Chrysler Group

Paul Tan — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:05:59 +0000

DaimlerChrysler today announced that it is open to the possibility of dropping the loss-making Chrysler group from it’s organization structure, or finding new partners for the American automotive group. Previously, DCX stood by Chrysler with a long-term commitment since it’s merger in 1998, but perhaps a predicted operating loss of more than US$1.31 billion foreseen by analysts – the third full-year loss since the merger is just too much for DCX to take. This loss will be offsetted by an earnings rebound at premium passenger car division Mercedes Benz and solid results from its market-leading truck manufacturing division.

The announcement pushed Chrysler stock up by more than 5%, up to it’s highest level since June 2002 – peaking at US$67.43 per share. DCX CEO Dieter Zetsche is expected to announce that an investment bank has been hired to review strategic options for the group. However, divesting the two groups is easier said than done, as cutting apart the two companies would cost an estimated US$34 billion, eclipsing DaimlerChrysler earnings, which is expected to be US$1.92 billion for the Q4 of 2006.

I find it funny that such an announcement should be made, announcing the possible separation of two lovers that were never meant to be on Valentine’s day.

Source: AutoNews

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Chrysler and Chery sign small car letter of intent

Paul Tan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 17:39:28 +0000

After news of talks between Chrysler and Chery surfaced in May last year, Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda has finally signed a letter of intent with Chery Automobile Co to develop a small car for the group, but this is pending approval by DaimlerChrysler supervisory board, which will meet this month to discuss the matter. Other partners which were considered were Mitsubishi Motors Corp, and Hyundai Motor Co Ltd, but it is Chery who managed to clinch the deal in the end.

The collaboration is expected to be approved by the DCX board, and manufacturing will soon begin, according to Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines. It is not known for now Which badge under the Chrysler group will appear on the grille of this new small B-segment car, but the logical choice would be Dodge, the group’s value brand. Chrysler previously exhibited a concept small car, the Dodge Hornet, an aggressive-looking muscular small car, but the new compact from the Chery-Chrysler collaboration will not be the Dodge Hornet.

The car is expected to be built in China, as Chrysler says it cannot profitably produce a small car in the US. Chrysler has been in talks with Chery for nearly a year before this agreement was reached. More details will be released in a month’s time or earlier. The new small car will compete against the Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa in the United States. It will also be sold in Canada, Mexico, Europe and possibly China. While this is a start for Chery’s involvement in the US market, but it is still keen to export it’s own cars under it’s own brand to the US as the small car will not be Chery-branded.

2006 was not a good year at all for Chrysler dealers in the US. The company kept cranking out minivans, medium to big cars and SUVs throughout the whole summer despite warnings and suggestions by dealers against the move. Chrysler just went on and on with overoptimism fueled by the success of the Chrysler 300. Despite employee pricing sales incentives and other promotions, dealers choked on inventory and floorplan bills skyrocketed with dipping sales. The Chrysler group posted a US$1.48 billion loss in the third quarter 2006. Will this new small car give Chrysler and it’s dealers a much needed boost? And even if so, what is Chrysler going to do with it’s sales bank of unsold cars? Instead of slowing down production when demand dropped, production was kept at full capacity, and now unsold Chrysler cars are just lying around in storage areas. Sound familiar?

Check after the jump for an interview with Tom LaSorda.

Related Posts:
2006 Dodge Hornet Concept
Dodge Attitude

Interview wih Tom LaSorda

Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Tom LaSorda spoke with TheFirehouse about the deal reached with Chery Automobile Co. of China to distribute Chery-made small cars in North America and other markets.

“If you look at the U.S. market, or even in NAFTA, all the B-segment vehicles are being imported from the Asia region. The major reason is their cost structure and their ability to engineer and design in those segments. And we really cannot compete, nor can any one else, making it in this region,” he said.

Question â€“ Why partner with Chery, or any Chinese car company for that matter, instead of building the car here in North America or at a DaimlerChrysler plant in China?
Tom â€“ “Well, first of all, we’re talking about a B-segment, which is a very small compact car, and if you look at the U.S. market or even in NAFTA, all the B-segment vehicles are being imported from the Asia region. The major reason is their cost structure and their ability to engineer and design in those segments. And we really cannot compete nor can anyone making it in this region.”

Q â€“ This being an election year, will this be used as a political statement about more jobs going to China?

Tom â€“ “Well, first of all, I can’t control what people say politically. What I can control is the fact that we are already exporting cars into China â€“ the Chrysler Group. We’re also producing locally the 300, the minivan into China, and most people don’t know that we’re exporting a large percentage of the componetries of these cars â€“ the engines, the transmissions and major high-cost parts that are made by Americans and Canadians primarily â€“ are being shipped over to these markets for us in China. I tell you, there are a lot of jobs being preserved by our growth in China and our exports there. And this (the Chery deal) will have no impact because we’re not even involved in the B-segment today.”

Q â€“ Can China build a quality car that will satisfy North American consumers?
Tom â€“ “Well, absolutely, and our role here is to ensure that our engineering and design and quality teams are working with Chery along the way to meet the stringent standards, not only in North America but around the world. And that teamwork will continue throughout this project.”

Q â€“ Will this car mean the death of the Hornet, the muscular small car concept that we saw at the Geneva auto show this year?

Tom â€“ “The Hornet is a great statement of our design. It is also a statement that it’s something that we’re going to continue to take a look at, and depending on the business case going, we’ll look at that independently from this particular project.”

Q â€“ How will this help the Chrysler Group’s attempts here in the United States to shift some of the mix away from pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs with gas prices high right now?

Tom â€“ “Well, the consumers are, quite frankly, just looking for choice, and the fact that the Chrysler Group doesn’t even play in this segment, it’s very important that we do. This is important for our growth here, but not only here in the NAFTA region – and I’m talking Canada, Mexico and the United States – but the European markets and other growth areas, where the growth is going. We need to follow with a cross-section of great cars and trucks across our whole portfolio. That’s why we need this in this region as well. Our attempt here will help us in this region because the gas mileage of this car will be exceptionally good and we’re looking forward to this coming in to help us as this segment is growing in this region and we just need to play a part.”

Interview Source: Chrysler’s TheFirehouse Blog

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

2006 Paris Motor Show: 2007 Dodge Caliber

Paul Tan — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 11:13:39 +0000

Among concept vehicles like the Avenger at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, Dodge also displayed it’s production models, like this 2007 Dodge Caliber crossover. The car is a 4-door hatch similiar to the likes of the Toyota Matrix – somewhat like a crossover between a sporty hatchback and a station wagon?! It was introduced this year to replace the Dodge Neon, and was based on the DCX/Mitsubishi GS platform which also spawned the likes of the new Mitsubishi Outlander and the next generation Lancer.

Engine options are a 1.8 litre, 2.0 litre and a 2.4 litre, and you can mix these with choices of a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic – either front wheel drive or all wheel drive traction is available. There is also a Dodge Caliber SRT-4, featuring a turbocharged 2.4 litre engine making 300 horsepower mated to a 6-speed manual. In the European market, the Dodge Caliber is also available with a 138hp, 310Nm 2.0 litre turbodiesel sourced from Volkswagen AG.

One more photo after the jump, thanks to Ben Corley, and as usual enlarged versions are also available.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Chery to build Dodge subcompacts for DCX

Paul Tan — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:53:12 +0000

Some news regarding collaboration between DaimlerChrysler and Chery. Previously it was reported that Chrysler will name it’s subcompact car partner by the end of 2006, with talks currently on-going with a few partners. Subcompacts which are known for frugal fuel consumption – important in these high fuel price days – account for 1% of the overall US market currently, but it is expected to double in amount next year.

DaimlerChrysler is said to be in final talks to build cars in China and export them to the US under the Dodge brand to take advantage of the cheaper costs there. This move will follow Honda Motor Co’s recent recision to export vehicles built in China. However, DaimlerChrysler is keeping mum on the issue, and it is said that this collaboration is very controversial within DaimlerChrysler, with opponents questioning whether cars produced in China by Chery can meet quality standards.

Other partners being considered are Mitsubishi Motors Corp, and Hyundai Motor Co Ltd. “We know we can’t do it alone. The capital expense alone would be very high, said Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda.

Source, 2

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Dodge Attitude

Paul Tan — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 08:49:07 +0000

We all know Dodge doesn’t really have a small car in it’s stables, which explains the Dodge Hornet concept and Chrysler’s on-going search for a partner to build small cars with. But somewhere south of the USA, in Mexico there are small Dodge cars going around the streets – the Dodge Attitude.

Looks familiar to you? You bet. The car is actually a rebadged 2006 Hyundai Accent, one model newer than the Accent that is available on our local shores right now. Dodge also sells a Dodge Atos – you guessed it! – a rebadged Hyundai Atos.

DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai used to have some form of strategic alliance together back in the year 2000 which involved DaimlerChrysler holding a 10% equity in Hyundai. This stake was sold in the year 2004 at a profitable US$912 million. It bought the stake in 2000 for US$428 million. They had a few projects together, even a small car platform but I don’t know what has happened to that now, since Chrysler is looking elsewhere for a small car development program. Another product of the partnership is the World Engine (1.8L to 2.4L), developed under the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance, or GEMA – a collaboration between DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai.

I wonder if someone will try to stuff a Hemi into a Dodge-badged Hyundai Accent.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

2006 Dodge Hornet Concept

Paul Tan — Thu, 11 May 2006 18:56:57 +0000

The Dodge Hornet Concept is a 5-door hatchback slightly larger than a MINI Cooper. It made it’s world debut back in February 2006 at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The Dodge Hornet Concept was conceived after meeting were held regarding requests from U.S. Dealers for a true entry level Dodge vehicle below the Dodge Caliber which retailed for about USD13,000.

The Dodge Hornet is a small B-segment car, but Dodge went for a sporty rally-inspired look instead of a cutesy look like the Nissan March. The front has Dodge’s classic cross-bar grille, and below it is an exposed front-mounted intercooler. Wheels are 19 inch open section wheels wrapped with 185/50/R19 tyres designed to show off the mechanicals, the large disc brakes and calipers. Showing off intercoolers and brakes are typical design features to make the car look like it can really really go fast. It reminds me alot of the Scion xB, a small car marketed under Toyota’s marque targetted at the younger car-buying market.

The engine propelling the 1409kg Dodge Hornet is a Tritec 1.6 litre intercooled supercharged 16-valve SOHC engine which makes 170 horsepower and 223Nm of torque at 4000rpm. This engine is the same one found in the MINI Cooper S, some Dodge Neon models and some Chrysler PT Cruiser models. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Tritec engine was originally developed by Chrysler and Rover, and is made in the Campo Largo factory in Brazil jointly owned by BMW and Daimler Chrysler, which was recently bought by the Lifan Group. Performance statistics are 6.7 seconds for the 0-100km/h test and a top speed of 209km/h.

Cabin access is made easy using suicide rear doors which open backwards. The hood scoop is functional, it directs air to the engine airbox, basically a cold air intake device. The rear seats and even the passanger seat can be folded down to extend storage area, creating a sort of mini van-like storage space as seen in the photo below.

There were some rumours that the Dodge Hornet Concept could go into production using a Volkswagen Polo chassis, since there has been increased co-operation between DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen AG. Chrysler’s been in talks with Chery, a Chinese automotive company which specialised in building small cars, and the Dodge Hornet could be what they will be building.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Chery to build small car for Chrysler

Paul Tan — Fri, 05 May 2006 13:13:40 +0000

Chrysler is looking into using Chery Automobile to assemble a small car for the international non-US market. The car will be sold under the Dodge or Chrysler brand. This could allow Chrysler and Dodge to enter third-world markets like South East Asia, which are not big fans of Chrysler’s big cars with huge fuel-guzzling engines.

Daimler Chrysler already has an existing partnership with a Chinese company, Beijing Automotive Industry Corp. The joint venture assembles SUVs for Daimler Chrysler and recently the Mercedes Benz E-Class. But the JV company lacks experience and skills to manufacture small cars, which Chery has.

Chrysler could be seeking to produce the Dodge Hornet concept, a small B-segment vehicle smaller than Dodge’s smallest car, the Dodge Neon. The Dodge Hornet Concept was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Ram Rash Advertisement

Paul Tan — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 10:12:24 +0000

Videos from Dodge’s new series of advertisements for the Dodge Ram. The campaign is known as “Ram Rash”. They really have NOTHING to do with the car it is advertising, but a whole lot different from Volkswagen’s Fast and Un-pimp Your Ride ads. Have a good weekend guys.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 02:05:57 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)